Examining the Integrated Community-Based waste management system in Bechem in the Tano South Municipality (2)

Abstract

Domestic solid waste, also known as municipal solid waste (MSW), refers to the non hazardous waste generated by households, including items such as food scraps, paper, plastic, glass, and other materials discarded in the normal course of daily life. The purpose of the study was to examine the domestic solid waste management problem in the Bechem township and suggest possible ways of solving the problem. The research approach used for this study was qualitative. The case study design was considered appropriate for this study. Out of the total population of 625 households, a sample size of 12 households were selected through purposive selection. In addition to the household, three other respondents including an Assembly member, Municipal Finance Officer and an officer from the Waste Management Department were also purposively selected and interviewed. The data collection method which the researcher used for the study was face-to-face interview. The study revealed that communal skip containers were woefully inadequate in Bechem culminating in indiscriminate disposal of refuse. Indeed, most of the households resorted to indiscriminate disposal of waste. These included dumping refuse in open depressions, open spaces in front of their houses and their backyards. The study recommended that there should be adequate provision of skips, education of residents, regular collection, financing of waste management and provision of more waste management resources.